Grease or Oil Bath Hubs For a Boat Trailer
Question:
I would like to know if the water settles to the bottom as oil usually floats on water, which would cause the bearings to rust anyway. I had huge problems with my tri-axle trailer using bearing buddies and had to replace the bearings each year at a huge cost. What I did was drill a rubber truck plug into the cap, then drilled and tapped a hole into the centre of the cast iron housing, between the 2 sets of bearings. I put a grease plug in the hole. After a couple launches I remove the cap and pump grease in the cast housing and usually water will come out. I havent had a problem with bearings even though I put inexpensive Chinese bearings in, for over 10 years now. This is great but messy. If the water mixes with the synthetic oil or floats on top so it may be drained out, not damaging the bearings while it sits, I will convert to your style of bearing protection. I have been told by my trailer manufacturer that oil bath systems dont work on boat trailers without leakage because of total submersion into water. What is the failure rate?
asked by: David F
Helpful Expert Reply:
If your current setup is working well I would recommend you stick with grease hubs. Oil-bath hubs are normally used on heavier duty style trailer axles. They must also be closely watched in situations where the trailer is submerged in water, because the oil will breakdown much faster than grease will when water is introduced. Standard grease filled axles are a better choice because they can be maintained easier.
The other problem is that when a seal goes out in a grease hub you can make it home typically to replace the seal without damaging the bearings or hub, whereas with a oil-bath system once you lose a seal all of the lubrication disappears and you have to park the trailer till you get the correct replacement parts.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Oil Cap Kit for 9,000-lb and 10,000-lb Dexter Axle
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Caps
- Oil Cap
- 3.5 Inch O.D.
- Redline
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 - Galvanized Finish
- Search Results: brake magnet
- Search Results: trailer brake parts
- Video: Review of Redline Trailer Brakes - Vented Brake Magnet - BP01-285
- Search Results: galvanized axle
- Search Results: safety chain
- Search Results: stake pocket mount
- Search Results: galvanized leaf springs
- Q&A: Trailer Leaf Spring Recommendations for a Boat Trailer with 1,900 Pound Boat
- Video: Review of MORryde Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - Spring Mounting Hardware - MR56ZR
- Q&A: Torsion Spring Systems vs Leaf springs for Salt Water Application
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?
- Article: How to Choose a Trailer Hitch Coupler
- Video: Review of Taskmaster Trailer Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - TA36MR
- Shop: Trailer Weld-on Stake Pocket - 6 Gauge
- Shop: DeeMaxx Trailer Idler Hub for 8,000-lb Axles - Grease - 8 on 6-1/2 - 5/8" Bolts - Galvanized
- Shop: Kodiak 13" Hub and Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Dacromet - 9/16" Bolts - 7,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub - AKIHUB-545-2-G-2K Review
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Hubs and Drums - Pre Greased Hub - AKIHUB-545-2-LFEZ-2K
- Q&A: Determining Which Hub Assembly and Castle Nut Fits 2016 Forest River Flagstaff 206 LTD MAC
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 13" Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Raw Finish - 9/16" Bolts - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: MORryde Shock Absorbing Suspension Equalizers for Triple Axle Trailers w/ 33" Wheelbase - 8K
- Shop: MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Triple Axle Trailers - 35" Wheelbase - 8K
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brakes - Hydraulic Drum Brakes - AKFBBRK-35-D Review
- Q&A: What Is the Proper Oil for Oil Bath Hubs on Trailer Axles?
- Video: etrailer Hub And Drum Assembly Installation
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Assemblies and Hubs for Dual Axle Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How to Properly Adjust etrailer.com 3,500 lb Hydraulic Brake Kit for Installation
- Q&A: Size of Adapter and Bleed Screw of part # KBPBB